Thwaites has received the dry box of orchids, six are dead, the rest are more or less likely to survive and grow. Thwaites is sending Hooker a supply of Ebony seeds, Diospyros ebenum, which he just got from Battocaloa; he suggests they could be shared with the West Indies. The seeds are packed in damp moss, but charcoal is also suitable for packing this type of seed. Thwaites has seen an article, possibly in the GARDENERS' CHRONICLE, which said that fruit picked without bruising and then wrapped in tin foil would keep a long time; he asks Hooker to send some foil so he can try it. Thwaites discusses the Coffee leaf fungus, which is spreading amongst the estates, and the question of how much damage will be done. He hopes that it will disappear as the coffee-coccus or 'coffee bug' did. The plant and insect pests are to be expected when one plant occupies as large an area as coffee does in Ceylon [Sri Lanka]. Thwaites wants to get iron pipes laid to bring a more reliable supply of water into the gardens, as he cannot grow aquatics until this is done. Thwaites is going to send Hooker some Cinchona seeds just received from Hakgala. Pages 1 and 4 of 4.

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